Embracing the Troublemaker

Chapter Twelve

Jael's Point of View

I had just received an announcement that I had to go to gymnasium for my practice as a representative for Grade 11. I was nervous because this would be the first time I would meet my partner. Kung hindi ako nag kakamali, ABM ang strand n'ya. Katulad ng sinabi saakin ni Cypress nung nakaraan, may coach daw kaming mag tuturo saamin para manalo sa competition. Actually, lahat naman ng grade level may coach. Sana lang she would be nice.

The exam was over and the school was buzzing with excitement for the upcoming intramurals. Lahat ng teachers and students busy, they are busy preparing for the various events. Bago ako lumabas kanina ng room, nag assign na ako sa mga kaklase ko ng mga task para tumulong sa preparations. Three days preparation lang kase ang binigay saaming palugit at after 'non, intrams na. Babalik din ako para tumulong kung sakaling maaga kaming matapos sa practice.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility for ensuring everything ran smoothly.

As soon as I entered the gymnasium, I saw some students sitting in the bleachers. Sa sobrang laki ng gym dito nag p-practice ang mga students na lalaban para sa intramurals, may nag b-basketball at volleyball na rin, hati sakanila ang gym, sila ngayon sa pang umaga at mamaya naman sa hapon. Kami naman, nasa stage ng gym para mag practice. Mas dumoble tuloy ang kaba ko dahil ang dami palang matang manonood saamin.

I spotted a tall man talking to two teachers. Instinctively, I knew they were the coaches. The man had his back to me, so I could not see his face. Tinawag ako ng isang guro at kinawayan ako. That made the man turn around and look at me.

I'm sure he must be Maximillian Elkayne Jueravino.

Kumpara sa mga basketball players na nandidito, s'ya ang pinaka matangkad kaya kitang-kita talaga ang pigura nya kahit sa malayo isabay na rin yung kulay gatas nyang balat. Parang Amerikano sa sobrang puti. Well, maputi rin naman ako pero parang kapag dinikit ako sakanya magiging madumi ang kulay balat ko.

Malayo palang ako sakanila but my jaw almost dropped when I saw his face. He's wearing glasses that framed his angelic features. Para syang anghel!He had a perfect jaw line and flawless skin. Gusto ko tanungin si Lord kung totoo ba yung lalaking nakikita ko at hindi ba ako na nanaginip lang. He smiled at me and signaled me to come closer.

As  I approached them, I felt my heart racing. He looked even more stunning up close. He greeted me again with a warm smile. He extended his hand to me.

"Hi, I'm Maximillian Elkayne, you can call me Elkayne or whatever you want. I'm your partner for the sportfest," he said in a friendly voice. Maximillian Elkayne's voice makes me shiver. Parang ang cool sobra ng boses nya.

"Hello din, I'm Jael. I'm from STEM, nice to meet you, Elkayne." I said, shaking his hand.

"It's nice to meet you, Jael. I'm from ABM. I hope se can work well together," he said.

"I hope so too," I answered, feeling a surge of warmth in my chest.

He had a charming smile and gentle gaze. His appearance said a lot to me, it spoke volumes. I could judge him easily based on his vibes. He seemed energetic, cheerful, playful but at the same time calm and warm. His presence seemed to radiate all these qualities. But I also sensed his intellectual capability. Yung mukha n'ya parang hindi lang puro gwapo, sinisigaw din ng dating at mukha n'ya yung pagiging smart and talented.

Nag simula na kaming mag practice. Tiningnan muna nila akong rumampa ng mag isa at sumunod naman ay kasama si Elkayne. Umalis sandali ang isang coach, pag balik nito may dala-dala syang sandals na sobrang taas ng takong. Pinasuot nila ito saakin at hinayaan akong rumampa gamit ang bigay na sandals.